Kenyon Market Sold to New Local Owners

After announcing earlier this summer the market was for sale or may close, Pete Wagner, owner of Kenyon Market in Kenyon confirmed a deal has been reached to sell the store to new local owners, …

A New Season: KW School Board Candidates Up for Election

With a new election season in full swing, many changes are on the horizon. Candidates are running for many offices this season, including the KW School Board. The Messenger recently was able to hear …

Congratulations to our 2026 King Oliver Bauer and Queen Peytyn Feyereisn

Victorian Funeral at the Alexander Faribault House

You are cordially invited to experience death and the Faribault House like never before. Join the Rice County Historical Society for a Victorian Funeral at the Alexander Faribault House (12 1st …

Second half property tax payments due Oct. 15

Rice County second half property taxes for real/personal property are due Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Payments can be made in person via cash, check or money order at the Property Tax & Elections …

County Attorney’s Office rolls out public-facing portal providing quick access to criminal case records

As part of its mission to support crime victims and seek justice for our community, the Rice County Attorney’s Office created a public-facing portal, providing public information and …

Learn About Stopping the Spread of Invasive Species at Upcoming Webinar

Join the Cannon River Watershed Joint Powers Organization as they host the first session of the virtual learning series Land to Lake Lectures. Invasive species can quickly take over natural areas, …

More Local News

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes

A year ago, I had an hour to pass waiting for someone at St. Mary’s Hospital. I was looking for something to do while they had a test and took the occasion to walk to the patient and visitor …

An Inconvenient Study

Science is a powerful tool. A tool can be used for good, or it can be used improperly, which can result in significant harm. True science is the observation of causes and reactions in a controlled …

A Minnesotan:

The longer I live in the Cities I have become more and more aware of what my husband likes to call the pumpkin spice monsters. A pumpkin spice monster is one who goes crazy for pumpkin spice as soon …

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Obituaries

Susan Kay Windhorst

Susan Kay Windhorst; 79, of Wanamingo passed away unexpectedly Friday, September 25, 2026, at her home. She was born in Red Wing on April 15, 1947, to Garvin and Helen (Swanson) Broin. She graduated …

Joann Rosemary (Bird) Atkinson

Joann Rosemary (nèe Bird) Atkinson, 89, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026. She was born on October 15, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Hazel (nèe …

David George Inman

David George Inman, 79, of Kenyon, died on September 18, 2026, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. He was born April 2, 1947, in Northfield, the son of Frederick and Kathleen (Sacht) Inman. David …

Joyce Sanford Fredrickson

Joyce Sanford Fredrickson, 95, of Wanamingo, MN, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, MN. He was born on March 7, 1931, in Faribault, MN, to Joseph and …

Raymond “Ray” Howard Sands

Raymond “Ray” Howard Sands, 95, of Kenyon, died on Monday, September 14, 2026, at his home with his daughters by his side. Ray Sands, a lifelong musician, farmer, was born January 9, 1931, on …

Kenyon-Wanamingo Messenger September 2026 Issue 2

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Community

K-W Noble Knights of the Week for 9-25-26

Front Row: Violet Greseth KG Mrs. Cheryl Dahl Oliver Strand KG Mrs. Mandi Kyllo-Lunde Brooks Falenschek Gr. 1 Mrs. Katie Benbrooks Addelyn Gearhart Gr. 1 Mr. Tony Donkers Kian Chang …

Rice County Public Health flu shot clinics open to public

Rice County Public Health has scheduled the following public flu vaccination clinics in Rice County. Both trivalent and high dose flu vaccine will be available. Registration for flu vaccine is …

Randy Hockinson Inducted into Minnesota Region 1A Hall of Fame

Retired Kenyon-Wanamingo Activities Director Randy Hockinson (right) was inducted into the Minnesota Region 1A Hall of Fame on September 21 at the Rochester Event Center. Matt Nelson (left), a …

Community

New ALICE Data Shows Rising Cost of Basics Historically Outpaces Overall Inflation in Minnesota

Red Wing– The cost of household necessities in Minnesota has risen faster than inflation for more than 15 years, leaving many households vulnerable to the growing affordability crisis, …

Board OKs preliminary levy that includes more than $1.5M in cost shifts

The Rice County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a preliminary 2027 levy and budget with the levy 8% higher than this year, largely due to funding shifts from the state and federal …

The King & Crooners Show and End of Season Car Show October 10th in Dennison

Chris Olson returns to Dennison in October blending the old with the new in his tribute show, The King & Crooners Show at The Sapphire Event Room. Chris has entertained for many years each fall in …

Rethinking the cost of engagement rings

ModGents reports couples are rethinking engagement ring costs, prioritizing personal budgets over traditional salary formulas amidst financial pressures.

The pros and cons of being a surrogate

Circle Surrogacy reports that becoming a gestational surrogate is a personal choice involving emotional, financial, and time commitments, requiring careful consideration.

Digital for efficiency, human for empathy: What renter preferences reveal about modern customer expectations

Zego reports that customers prefer a balanced approach to service, favoring digital for efficiency and human interactions for complex issues.

Saving for multiple financial goals

Ally Financial reports on managing multiple financial goals by prioritizing deadlines, calculating savings, and using automation to streamline the process.

Average home equity gains topped $200,000 in six states as renters faced heavy housing costs

Griffin Funding reports that rising home values boost financial security for homeowners but further burden renters, with equity gains reaching over $200,000 in six states.